PROCEDURAL ISSUES
PATIENT RELATIONS AND IDENTIFICATION:
The phlebotomist’s role requires a professional, courteous, and understanding manner in all contacts with the patient. Greet the patient and identify yourself and indicate the procedure that will take place. Effective communication – both verbal and nonverbal – is essential.
Proper patient identification MANDATORY. If an inpatient is able to respond, ask for a full name and always check the armband or bracelet for confirmation. DO NOT DRAW BLOOD IF THE ARMBAND OR BRACELET IS MISSING. For an inpatient the nursing staff can be contacted to aid in identification prior to proceeding.
An outpatient must provide identification other than the verbal statement of a name. Using the requisition for reference, ask a patient to provide additional information such as a surname or birthdate. A government issued photo identification card such as a driver’s license can aid in resolving identification issues.
If possible, speak with the patient during the process. The patient who is at ease will be less focused on the procedure. Always thank the patient and excuse yourself courteously when finished.
PATIENT’S BILL OF RIGHTS:
The Patient’s Bill of Rights has been adopted by many hospitals as declared by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). The basic patient rights endorsed by the JCAHO follow in condensed form are given below.
The patient has the right to:
• Impartial access to treatment or accommodations that are available or medically indicated, regardless of race, creed, sex, national origin, or sources of payment for care.
• Considerate, respectful care.
• Confidentiality of all communications and other records pertaining to the patient’s care.
• Expect that any discussion or consultation involving the patient’s case will be conducted discretely and that individuals not directly involved in the case will not be present without patient permission.
• Expect reasonable safety congruent with the hospital practices and environment.
• Know the identity and professional status of individuals providing service and to know which physician or other practitioner is primarily responsible for his or her care.
• Obtain from the practitioner complete and current information about diagnosis, treatment, and any known prognosis, in terms the patient can reasonably be expected to understand.
• Reasonable informed participation in decisions involving the patient’s health care. The patient shall be informed if the hospital proposes to engage in or perform human experimentation or other research/educational profits affecting his or her care or treatment. The patient has the right to refuse participation in such activity.
• Consult a specialist at the patient’s own request and expense.
• Refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law.
• Regardless of the source of payment, request and receive an itemized and detailed explanation of the total bill for services rendered in the hospital.
• Be informed of the hospital rules and regulations regarding patient conduct.
PROCEDURAL ISSUES
- PATIENT RELATIONS AND IDENTIFICATION:
- The phlebotomist’s role requires a professional, courteous, and understanding manner in all contacts with the patient. Greet the patient and identify yourself and indicate the procedure that will take place. Effective communication – both verbal and nonverbal – is essential.
- Proper patient identification MANDATORY. If an inpatient is able to respond, ask for a full name and always check the armband or bracelet for confirmation. DO NOT DRAW BLOOD IF THE ARMBAND OR BRACELET IS MISSING. For an inpatient the nursing staff can be contacted to aid in identification prior to proceeding.
- An outpatient must provide identification other than the verbal statement of a name. Using the requisition for reference, ask a patient to provide additional information such as a surname or birthdate. A government issued photo identification card such as a driver’s license can aid in resolving identification issues.
- If possible, speak with the patient during the process. The patient who is at ease will be less focused on the procedure. Always thank the patient and excuse yourself courteously when finished.
- PATIENT’S BILL OF RIGHTS:
- The Patient’s Bill of Rights has been adopted by many hospitals as declared by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). The basic patient rights endorsed by the JCAHO follow in condensed form are given below.
- The patient has the right to:
- Impartial access to treatment or accommodations that are available or medically indicated, regardless of race, creed, sex, national origin, or sources of payment for care.
- Considerate, respectful care.
- Confidentiality of all communications and other records pertaining to the patient’s care.
- Expect that any discussion or consultation involving the patient’s case will be conducted discretely and that individuals not directly involved in the case will not be present without patient permission.
- Expect reasonable safety congruent with the hospital practices and environment.
- Know the identity and professional status of individuals providing service and to know which physician or other practitioner is primarily responsible for his or her care.
- Obtain from the practitioner complete and current information about diagnosis, treatment, and any known prognosis, in terms the patient can reasonably be expected to understand.
- Reasonable informed participation in decisions involving the patient’s health care. The patient shall be informed if the hospital proposes to engage in or perform human experimentation or other research/educational profits affecting his or her care or treatment. The patient has the right to refuse participation in such activity.
- Consult a specialist at the patient’s own request and expense.
- Refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law.
- Regardless of the source of payment, request and receive an itemized and detailed explanation of the total bill for services rendered in the hospital.
- Be informed of the hospital rules and regulations regarding patient conduct.
